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Tribal and city officials gathered yesterday to break ground on the new Cherokee Casino Roland to replace the existing facility. The upgraded gaming destination will offer an additional 100 jobs to the greater Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, region. The nearly $80 million gaming facility will also feature more entertainment options and amenities, as well a six-story, resort-style hotel.

"I was on the Tribal Council when we decided to move from bingo to gaming. We understood then the purpose was to create jobs and provide a better quality of life for the Cherokee people," said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker on April 29. "Today, we have more Cherokee citizens employed at our businesses than ever, and for the first time in our history as a gaming tribe, casino profits are going directly to improving health care for our people."

The new 170,000-square-foot facility will offer 850 electronic games, table games and a private High Limit poker room. Guests can choose from two dining options, a grab-and-go café and Las Vegas-style buffet. Along with the expanded gaming options, guests can enjoy a cocktail and live music at the entertainment venue.

The decadent new hotel will feature 120 rooms, along with convention space to host conferences, special events, weddings and trade shows.

"We are bringing our guests the best in gaming entertainment and hospitality," said Shawn Slaton, chief executive officer for Cherokee Nation Businesses. "The new facility allows us to expand our amenities by adding dining options, live music and a hotel. The best part of it all is our ability to create more jobs in the community where our business started."

Cherokee Nation entered the entertainment industry in 1990 with its first Cherokee Nation Bingo Outpost in Roland. Fast-forward 24 years later, the property has become one of the region’s leading entertainment venues.

Officials also recognized four employees who began working for the company when its first gaming property opened, and they are still working in Roland today.

"We’ve had an enormous amount of support from the Roland community and Tribal Councilors Janelle Fullbright and David Thornton," said Slaton. "We are grateful for that support and look forward to continuing our community partnerships for years to come."

Cherokee Casino Roland is located off Highway 64 on Cherokee Boulevard in Roland. For more information on Cherokee Casinos, visit www.cherokeecasino.com or call (800) 754-4111. All guests must be at least 21 years of age to attend. Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the wholly owned gaming, hospitality, retail and tourism entity of the Cherokee Nation. The company operates Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa; seven Cherokee Casinos, including a horse racing track; three hotels; three golf courses; and other retail operations. The region’s entertainment leader employs 3,500 people.

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